Friday, July 6, 2012

Spied: 2014 Rolls-Royce Ghost Coupe

Rolls Royce has been uncharacteristically busy lately. Facelifted versions of the Phantom, Phantom Coupe and Phantom Drophead Coupe were revealed at the Geneva Motor Show back in March, and now our spies have caught a prototype for the Ghost Coupe testing on UK roads.

It's long been rumoured that the Ghost family would expand to three separate models - a saloon, coupe and convertible, mirroring the Phantom - and this is the first sign that the process is well underway.

Despite the all-over camouflage, the Ghost's bluff front end is unmistakeable with slot-like headlights either side. Below that the lower grille has been split into three parts for a sportier look.

The most obvious change though is in profile, where the roof has been lowered and falls away sharply, plus there's just a single door either side. Look closely and you'll notice dummy doorhandles stuck to the side of the car.

At the rear a large spoiler has been attached to obscure the area where the rear windscreen meets the boot, but the showroom version will be more subtle and smoother than it looks here.

Under the bonnet expect to see the same 563bhp 6.6-litre V12 engine as the saloon, but slightly reworked suspension should make it sportier to drive while retaining Rolls' trademark magic carpet ride.

Judging by the readiness of this prototype, the Ghost Coupe will go on sale some time in 2013, costing around £230,000. For more details click here.